love what you do

Samson Choi is a Southern California native brought up by immigrant South Korean parents. He first got his start enrolling at LA County High School for the Arts where he took his first fashion course. Since then, he’s found his true calling. He then later attended Parsons School of Design in NYC. Since then, he’s worked for some of the biggest names in women’s contemporary. His work is influenced by his travels and being a California native. His designs are for the real modern women with an effortless attitude.

What should everyone know about you?
SC: Women’s contemporary  creative director  with 15 years’ experience specializing in RTW  full collections in knits and wovens in all categories.  Strong knowledge of concept and trends.

How would you describe what you do?
SC: I design and create clothes women want to buy.

Why did you choose to be a designer?
SC: I’ve always new I wanted to be in fashion. Growning up I’ve always had a strong interest in clothes and fashion magazines. I loved to draw and be creative. I just had a real passion for it.

What steps did you take to become a designer?
SC: I looked at a lot of fashion magazines growing up. I wanted to know everything about fashion and trends. I also drew a lot  from the fashion magazines. I took art classes and went to a visual arts high school which also prepared me for college. I later enrolled in Parson’s school of design and it all started from there.

Best/Most Challenging part of your job?
SC: The best part of the job is being creative and loving what you do. Also seeing  your designs on a customer and looking great in it.  Most challenging is the time restraints and not having enough time.

If you weren’t a designer what would you be?
SC: I would be an artist or illustrator.

How did you get started in design?
SC: I took my first fashion course in high school.

What do you like about what you do?
SC: Being creative

What’s a common misconception people have about what you do?
SC: That it’s not all glamourous. It’s a lot of blood, sweat and tears.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
SC: Hopefully still being creative.

What sparked your interest in design?
SC: When I first knew what fashion was and seeing my first fashion show on MTV’s House of Style.

How has your work evolved since you began your career?
SC: My work has evolved from all of my different job’s I’ve had. I’ve done almost everything from designing athleisure wear, evening wear, knitwear, wovens designer etc.

What are you fascinated by at the moment and how does it feed into your work?
SC: My travels.

What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since you started your career?
SC: That fashion is a business and you need to have a balance of art and commerce.

What advice would you give to young designers?
SC: To have a focus and know who your customer is.

Are you superstitious or do you have any rules you live by?
SC: I always make a wish when the clock turns 11:11.

Learn more about Samson at StylePortfolios.com and on Instagram and Pinterest.

This Designer Profile is provided to us by our friends at StylePortfolios.com.  To see more profiles like this OR to create a fashion design portfolio of your own, please visit StylePortfolios.com.